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Spend 8 days in Chhattisgarh

One of India’s least-visited states, Chhattisgarh has a lot to offer. Live like a royal when you check into palaces, explore the forests on treks, learn about local crafts, and visit gushing waterfalls. You could easily spend a week (or eight days) here and come back with enough stories to make all friends ripe with envy.

DAY 1.

Make your way to Raipur, Chattisgarh’s capital, via flight or train. Then, drive towards Kawardha, which is in the middle of the state. Check into Kawardha Palace: a part of the Maharaja’s palace is open to visitors. Expect to be treated like royalty.

DAYS 2 & 3.

Spend your days exploring the region. There’s plenty in and around Kawardha. The royals have maintained close relationships with the Baiga and Gond tribals who live in the forests around Kawardha. Go on short treks in the area. Don’t miss the Bhoramdeo temple complex.

DAY 4.

Drive to Kanker, which is also home to a former royal family. The Kanker Palace which was once home to British officers is where the royal family lives now.

DAY 5.

Drive towards Jagdalpur. The tropical forests here are home to tribal communities.

DAYS 6 & 7.

There’s lots to do here. Jagdalpur has many workshops that promote indigenous crafts – the Kosa saris, typical of the region, for one. The Indravati Falls at Chitrakote are nearby, and the markets and villages in the surrounding forests are worth visiting too.

DAY 8.

Return to Raipur with a stop at Kondagaon. Stop by to see the unique process of casting bell metal, using bees-wax. The method, called dhokra or ghadwa, is used primarily to cast idols – pick up a souvenir!